As the drinks industry battles one of its most challenging periods, each week brings news of more leadership upheaval.

A multitude of challenges face the industry, including economic pressures, supply chain disruptions, changing consumer preferences, sustainability concerns and tariff issues.

In the latest shock announcement, Endeavour Group has revealed that BWS Managing Director, Scott Davidson, will step down later this year after more than five years in the position.

Davidson, who will remain in the role for the Christmas-trade planning period, will leave the company at the end of November and a process will commence for succession.

His departure comes two months after ex-Virgin Australia head Jayne Hrdlicka was announced as the new Managing Director and CEO of Endeavour Group.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald: “Hrdlicka is considered tough, ruthless, and polarising to her critics and fans alike, so there is little doubt that underperforming Endeavour is in for radical change.”

Endeavour Group Executive Chairman Ari Mervis (above, with Hrdlicka) said: “Scott has made an enormous contribution to the Group as Endeavour’s inaugural Managing Director of BWS following the company’s demerger from Woolworths in 2021.

“On behalf of the Board, I offer my thanks and appreciation to Scott for his leadership of BWS, Australia’s largest and most convenient drinks retailer.

“Scott led a progressive transformation agenda across eCommerce, in-store retail renewal and marketing and partnerships at BWS and we wish him well for the future.”

Davidson said: “After an association with Endeavour Group businesses that stretches back to roles with ALH in 2005, I’ve decided now is the right time to hand the baton to drive the next phase of growth at BWS. After such a great tenure with the company, it’s time for me to move on to the next opportunity.

“For more than five years I have had the privilege to lead the dedicated and passionate BWS team that serves communities right across Australia.”

The Australian Financial Review revealed in March that Mervis was reviewing Endeavour Group’s operations, which also include more than 350 pubs, and was working with consultancy Kearney. Endeavour closed Shorty’s Liquor, a corporate liquor delivery and gifting business, and is also shutting down Prowine, a contract bottling and packaging operation based in South Australia.

The roll call of departing leaders

The past six months have seen a revolving door of CEO arrivals and departures.

At the end of April, the appointment of new CEOs for Endeavour Group and Australian Vintage were announced within hours of each other.

Hrdlicka replaced Steve Donohue at Endeavour Group, while Tom Dusseldorp replaced Craig Garvin as CEO of Australian Vintage.

Less than 24 hours later Fever-Tree ANZ and Asia Managing Director Andy Gaunt was announced as Sullivan’s Cove’s new CEO.

Accolade Wines CEO Robert Foye finished with the company in February, ahead of its transformation to Vinarchy, with CUB’s Danny Celoni announced as CEO in May.

On the same day, Treasury Wine Estates announced that Lion’s Sam Fischer would become its Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, succeeding Tim Ford. Learn more here.

Over the past few weeks, even industry associations haven’t been immune to the headwinds. Spirits and Cocktails Australia (SCA) announced it was restructuring, with Chief Executive Greg Holland stepping down from his role. Meanwhile, Paul McLeay stepped down as Chief Executive of the Australian Distillers Association, with Four Pillars Founder Cameron Mackenzie appointed as Interim General Manager.

Another wave of change swept through the drinks CEO and Managing Director ranks last year, with Campari CEO Simon Durrant, Lion’s David Smith and Chris Baddock among those who departed. Read more here. Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania CEO Darren Fullerton also announced his retirement in December 2024. Read more here.

It’s hard to image there could be any more shock announcements after so much change, but watch this space …